Norwalk, CT - Norwalk Hospital celebrated a major milestone on Friday breaking ground on a new ambulatory pavilion to meet Fairfield County’s growing need for outpatient care. The new pavilion marks the largest expansion project in Norwalk Hospital’s 120-year history.

The Anne P. and Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Center will feature a light-filled main lobby and patient registration on the first floor, an expanded Emergency Department and new Cancer Center on the third floor, and an updated Ambulatory Surgery Center and Center for Digestive Diseases on the fifth floor. The project entails 95,000 square feet of new construction and 35,000 square feet of renovations. The pavilion is designed to allow Norwalk Hospital to accommodate new technologies and future development. Construction is expected to be completed in 2015.

Norwalk Hospital was built on a foundation of philanthropy. In 1888, Margaret Cavanaugh’s response to a local tragedy triggered concerned and compassionate leaders to take action to help provide better health care for their family, friends and neighbors. For 120-years now, the Hospital has been fortunate to have the philanthropic support of those who share in our vision and have made significant financial contributions to expand facilities, invest in the latest technologies and create new patient programs and services.

The ceremonial groundbreaking recognized local families whose transformational giving plays a crucial role in this next phase of Norwalk Hospital’s development. The new pavilion will be named The Anne P. and Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Center in recognition of an extraordinary $10 million gift from The Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Family Foundation, Inc. and the McGraw Family made in honor of their late parents’ commitment to community, health care and Norwalk Hospital.

The Anne P. and Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Center

In 1997, the McGraws made a leadership gift in support of the Hospital’s then new Emergency Department. The McGraws have always been committed to ensuring that all members of the community have access to high quality medical care, regardless of their ability to pay. After their parents’ deaths, Sue, Terry and Bob McGraw have carried on the family tradition to generously support many local and national causes.

"Our parents took great pride in volunteering and supporting their community. It was never about them. It was always about helping others. They especially had a deep appreciation for Norwalk Hospital where they received marvelous care. The McGraw Family is so proud to be associated with this outstanding organization,” shared Terry McGraw.

Longstanding-friends and supporters George and Carol Bauer of Wilton and the Whittingham Family of Stamford have also made leaderships gifts to support the two busiest departments which already carry their names.

George and Carol Bauer of Wilton, $2.5 million gift for the new and expanded Bauer Center for Emergency Care.

The Whittingham Family of Stamford, $2.5 million gift for the new C. Anthony and Jean Whittingham Cancer Center.

Pavilion Highlights

Renovated 15 years ago to treat 25,000 patients annually, The Bauer Center for Emergence Care currently treats twice that number. The newly designed space will double in size and be able to triage and treat 65,000 patients a year. The expansion will significantly increase the number of exam rooms, offer flexible space to accommodate surges in patient volumes, enhance patient privacy and offer dedicated space for pediatric, behavioral health and urgent care patients.

The C. Anthony and Jean Whittingham Cancer Center will feature peaceful, serene treatment areas and light-filled chemotherapy infusion suites. It will house a CT simulator for treatment planning, a new linear accelerator for radiation therapy and space to expand the collaborative research and clinical trials underway with nationally-recognized cancer research centers. A beautiful outdoor healing garden will allow patients and caregivers to enjoy the healing benefits of nature.

The Guthrie Center for Digestive Diseases will provide academic medical center-level care in a community hospital setting. Services currently located throughout the Hospital will be centralized to enhance patient access and accommodate space for new, innovative technologies. Features include larger screening and treatment rooms, private consultation rooms and a spacious family waiting lounge. Patients will benefit from state-of-the-art diagnostics and treatments, many of which are only available at Norwalk Hospital. The Center is named honor of the late Jim Guthrie, MD, Former Chief of Colon and Rectal Surgery.

Given the growing demand for outpatient surgical procedures, the Ambulatory Surgery Center will be upgraded to enhance patient privacy with additional renovations to include new pre- and post- operative space, as well as redesigned recovery and family waiting areas. From registration through discharge, patients will enjoy an enhanced outpatient experience, getting them back home and on the road to recovery.

“Thanks to the generosity of the McGraws, Bauers, Whittinhgams and countless other families and individuals, the new pavilion will transform health care at Norwalk Hospital,” shared Diane Allison, Chair, Norwalk Hospital Board of Trustees. From our humble beginnings 120-years ago, Norwalk Hospital remains a cornerstone in our community. Looking ahead, together, we will continue to deliver superior health care to the Fairfield County community for generations to come.